Festivals in Atlanta

Pretty much any weekend of the year, in some metro neighborhood or civic center, there’s a celebration going on of something: yellow daisies, Japanese culture, fishing boats. Below you’ll find some of the biggest and best events. To find out what’s happening this week, check out www.accessatlanta.com.

Inman Park Festival – Annually in April. Not your average neighborhood block party, this weekend celebration includes a home tour, a dance festival, an antique market and a parade, in addition to the usual crafts booths and entertainment. Free. 770-242-4895.

Annually in June. The festival closes off 42 acres of Midtown Atlanta for a three-day “We Are the World” of music – more than 100 acts of all genres. There are always some pretty big names at the festival. Through the years, we’ve seen big artists like Tom Petty (God have his soul) and the Heartbreakers, The White Stripes, Black Eyed Peas, and The Pixies just to name a few.

Sweet Auburn Springfest – Annually in Early May. The celebration in the Sweet Auburn historic district includes an arts and crafts market, food from area vendors, a classic car show, a literary festival, live music, and women’s, seniors’ and health pavilions. 404-886-4496, website

Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour – Annually, Mother’s Day weekend. A Mother’s Day weekend viewing of some of the area’s best private gardens. It’s sponsored by the folks at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, so they ought to know. Modest fee (in advance) for a complete tour. 404-876-5859, website

Screen on the Green – Thursdays in June. Turner Classic Movies sponsors this series of free movies in Piedmont Park. Bring a blanket or low lawn chairs, pack a picnic and settle down on the grass to a classic flick like “Grease” or “The Birds” on a drive-in-size screen. Free. 404-875-7275, website

Atlanta Pride Celebration – Late June. One of the nation’s largest celebrations for the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community. Activities include a parade, vendors and live entertainment in Piedmont Park. 404-929-0071, website

Peachtree Road Race – July 4. What better way to mark July in Georgia than with a 10K run on blisteringly hot pavement? The 55,000 who get their entry forms in fast enough think it’s perfect. A good portion of the rest of the city comes out to cheer on the runners. 404-231-9064, website

Southeastern Flower Show – Mid February, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The flower show has a different theme each year, for example, “English Gardens for Southern Lifestyles” for one of the past shows. website

Dogwood Festival – Early April. The granddaddy of all Atlanta festivals is the city’s unofficial announcement of spring. Mostly just an excuse to visit Piedmont Park at a beautiful time of year, the festival includes an artists’ market, kids’ activities, live music and a disc dog demo. Free. 404-329-0501, website